Honeymoon - Las Vegas.

The last leg of our honeymoon was one of our favourite places, Vgeas!! Having been before, we had a good idea of what we wanted to do this time round and so were able to plan a few things in advance.

People sometimes can't get past the idea of Vegas as just casinos and gambling. Now, there is a lot of that to do if that's what you're into but there is also so much more. Amazing restaurants, world class shopping, fun bars, musicals, shows and even just wondering around some incredible hotels. You can go from New York, to Paris,  to Venice to Rome on one street!

We were staying in the Luxor which is an Egyptian themed hotel at one end of the strip. All the hotels on the strip are good (we'd previously stayed at the MGM and have since stayed at New York New York) so I think if you were thinking of where to stay I'd say you would be pretty safe with any strip based hotel.

Our hotel from the helicopter

 On the first night, we were pretty jetlagged after flying in from Hawaii and knew we had an early start the next day so we just checked in and got changed for dinner. We ate in the Luxor at an amazing steak restaurant called Tenders. It was pretty expensive but such a good meal and service.

 In Vegas, you will find a lot of people try and take your photo and then charge you so be careful. The above photo was taken in Tenders by a friendly but pretty pushy woman who liked to give instructions on exactly how we should pose! When she was distracted we just took a photo of the photo and saved ourselves the $50 she was asking for!

Amazing dessert at Tenders

 The next day we had an early morning trip to the Grand Canyon planned. My mum and dad had kindly got this for us as a wedding present and I can't recommend it enough. You can drive out or go by helicopter - we opted for helicopter obviously! Not only is it only 45 minutes compared to several hours but the views are amazing as you fly over the canyon. We were picked up from our hotel by limo and taken to the airfield.

 We had a lovely female pilot who was so knowledgable and friendly. We flew over the hoover dam and alond the Colorado River. The helicopter landed down in the canyon and we were able to have lunch at the bottom!

 It was amazing being in the canyon. It was so silent all around and looking up to the top made you realise just how vast it was. Not only is it deep but flying over also gives you an idea of the sheer area it covers.

 

I would definitely recommend the early morning trip. It's not so hot and it's still a clear day with good views. Our pilot said it was the best time too. By the time we got back to the strip we still had the whole afternoon to make the most of.

 

On the gondola



We decided to walk down to the Venetian hotel and have a gondola ride. Having now done this, it is not something I would recommend to others. It's a rip off! The gondalier was not friendly and wouldn't take any photos (as they want you to buy theirs). You are basically just paddled round for about 10 minutes in a swimming pool. It's definitely not something I would want to do again!

However, the walk down the strip is always interesting as you pass some impressive hotels. It's worth waiting for the Bellagio fountains too. They come on about every 15 minutes and are so well choreographed to the music.

 

The shoot up so high it's unbelieavable, I bet it would be amazing to have a fountain view room at the Bellagio!

 

The fountains are even better at night when they are all lit up.

Opposite the Bellagio is Paris, a hotel which has a Paris theme surprisingly! You can even take a ride up the Eiffel Tower! If Paris isn't your thing you could check out New York New York and brave the rollercoaster that runs through the hotel and out through the roof. I so wanted to do this but just chickened out at the last minute!

As well as a shopping and general exploring, we also decided to go and see Chris Angel who had a residency at our hotel. He's known for being a dark magician and he certainly lived up to this. He was amazing and left you so confused as to how he had pulled off the stunts - as well as terrifying me when a giant bunny rabbit appeared in the audience!

If you are planning on going to Vegas, I'd check out groupon first as they have plenty of offers on 2-4-1 tickets or discounts on shows and events.

No trip to Vegas would be complete without the compulsory trek to the world famous Vegas sign. You have to go past the Luxor and all the way past Mandalay Bay to get there so it may be worth skipping the 25 minute walk (especially in the heat - and especially if you have a flight to catch that morning!) and get a $10 taxi to the sign. There's plenty of people to take each others photos, live streaming for your family at home to watch and probably someone dressed as Elvis lurking around!